Marc Collman

In December every year we like to recognize the runner who we think had a great season as a competitor and went above and beyond the call of duty; so to speak. Well, for our December runner spotlight Marc Collman not only had a stellar running season, he went above and beyond the call of sanity. The guy is nuts; no doubt. Look at what he accomplished in 2008:

            March -- Buffalo Run 50 Miler -- 12:13
            May -- Ogden Marathon -- 4:03
            June -- Squaw Peak 50 Miler -- 16:26
            June -- Logan Peak 50K -- 8:44
            July -- Deseret News Marathon -- 3:59
            July -- Wasatch Speedgoat 50K -- 12:27 (2 days after running DesNews Marathon)
            August -- Park City Marathon -- 3:56
            September -- Wasatch 100 -- DNF at mile 84
            September -- Top of Utah Marathon -- 4:00
            September -- Bear 100 -- 34:00
            October -- St. George Marathon -- 3:45
            October -- Goblin Valley 50K -- 5:51

Finishing 7 ultra-marathons and 5 marathons wasn't some crazy goal Marc set out to do in 2008; he's done it every year for well over a decade. Running is just a way of life for Marc. The really cool thing about Marc is that he can train and run all these races, operate a successful dentistry practice but he still lives his life with family coming first. Every time I've been on a training run with Marc, at some point during the run he'll stop and call his wife and daughters just to check in on them. After a 35 mile training run it's not uncommon for Marc to spend the rest of the day shopping or spending time with his family. He's an inspiration, we're lucky to know him and proud to call him our runner of the year.
Visit www.stridersrunning.com to read more about Marc.

MARC COLLMAN

Marc is 51 years old and married to Karen. They have two daughters: Kara (25) who is married to Mike and they live in Ann Arbor MI, both students. Joni (21) who is single and lives in Provo working and going to school. Marc's hometown is North Ogden, UT. Marc is a dentist is North Ogden.

Here are a few facts about Marc when asked about his running:

Years Running: 17

Weekly Mileage: 30 plus miles

Favorite Race distance or race: Once Completed - 100 miler's! Bear 100 miler this year (2008)

PR's - (5k, 10k, 1/2, mara, Ultra) or proudest running accomplishment: My first finish of the Wasatch 100 miler endurance run in 1996 and during six weeks of this year's running season (08): Wasatch 100 miler, then two weeks later Top of Utah Marathon, then six days later Bear 100 miler then 1 week later the St. George marathon then two weeks later the Goblin Valley 50k!

Favorite training run: Overnight run from upper big water to midway (Homestead)

Why run - (motivation, inspiration): 1. Cheaper than prozac. 2. Social - get to eat at the end of all runs.

Goals: Ten Wasatch 100 mile endurance runs - get the ten year ring (two more to complete)

Favorite music to run to: Diana Ross - Ain't no mountain high enough to keep me from you.

Favorite running gear - (shoes, apparel, etc): Shoes - Brooks Radius - last six years. Shorts - gray - "too short" as told to me by my daughters - worn @ last six of my eight wasatch 100's and the bear 100. And any shirt that has a STRIDERS logo.

Best advice you've been given as a runner: DRINK

Best motivational quote: Get comfortable being uncomfortable

Your Role model: My wife, daughters, son-in-law: all of them work so hard at doing "the right thing"

Favorite food: Any food that comes with 2nds and 3rds!

Hobbies or interests other than running: Biggest interest is doing all that I can to support my families endeavors, skiing, sports cars